C20/2005 Requesting psychology records

Purpose

To advise how to obtain existing psychology records from the Department of Defence.

Background

Psychology records are used in the assessment of psychological conditions for compensation purposes.  These are used in the determination for claims under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), the Safety Rehabilitation & Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) or the Military Rehabilitation Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).  Some State Offices have requested advice on how to obtain these records from the Department of Defence.

Record types

Psychology records contain “psychology” files only, not “psychiatric” files. Psychiatric files are kept on the member's medical file.

Requesting Information

Psychology records can be requested through the Department of Defence at:

Directorate of Psychology

CP2-5-041

Department of Defence

Campbell Park Offices

Canberra ACT 2600

When requesting psychology records from the Directorate of Psychology the following information needs to be provided:

•       Full name;
•       PMKeys number (service number where a PMKeys number has never been issued);
•       Date of birth;
•       Date of enlistment;
•       Date of discharge (if applicable); and
•       Service (Army, Navy or Air Force)

Contact

If you have any queries regarding the above information please contact Brian Eastman on (02) 6289 6348 or e-mail brian.eastman@dva.gov.au